Seychelles calls for adoption of MVI |08 March 2023

President Ramkalawan speaking at the side event

President Ramkalawan has called for the adoption of a Multidimensional Vulnerability Index for small islands developing states and vulnerable countries to be accepted within the United Nations framework and beyond, as well as by international financial institutions.

The president was speaking at the high-level side event under the theme ‘Achieving a fair and complete measurement of vulnerability: perspectives from the small islands developing states (Sids) and least developed countries (LDCs) on the vulnerability index’, convened by the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and the Commonwealth in the margin of the 5th United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5).

President Ramkalawan spoke about the vulnerabilities of the small islands developing states (Sids), and underscored the acute challenges affecting Sids.

“In such a volatile and unpredictable climate, what future lies ahead for our islands without the recognition of their vulnerabilities? It is imperative, therefore, that we usher in a new assessment architecture. One which can truly address the needs of Sids and LDCS in a comprehensive manner. To go beyond gross domestic products (GDP) per capita as a measurement of development and access to concessionary financing for development needs. We need an index that takes into consideration the intrinsic complexities that data on income, on its own, cannot fully reveal. This demands that we identify a fairer way to measure a country's susceptibility to external shocks. It demands a more pragmatic methodology of assessment,” said President Ramkalawan.

“The argument we are pushing forward is that the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) should be universally applicable within the United Nations system and beyond, including international financial institutions. What we are saying is: no country should be penalised for making progress in its development journey. The opportunities extended, or considerations given, to some developing countries should be available to all developing countries, irrespective of income status.”

The head of state thanked the OIF and the Commonwealth for their continued support and commitment, one that he described as important in the advocacy and implementation of the MVI.

“We are here to make a case for due and appropriate consideration to be given to Sids.

Both the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie and the Commonwealth are sensitive to and supportive of our arguments. Their support and commitment are vital to our own efforts towards securing the universal adoption of a MVI. Thank you to the OIF and Commonwealth for organising this event, and a special thanks to Madame Mushikiwabo and The Rt Honourable Baroness Scotland for your continued support and advocacy!” added President Ramkalawan.

“Let us all continue to advocate for enduring solutions towards greater resilience for Sids, and other developing countries,” he concluded.

Other than President Ramkalawan, the high-level side event moderated by Patrick Guillaumont of the Foundation of Studies and Research on International Development (Ferdi), had for keynote speakers Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of La Francophonie; Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; Chrysoula Zacharopoulou, secretary of state to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, in charge of Development, La Francophonie and International Partnerships; Lejone Mpotjoane, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations of the Kingdom of Lesotho; and Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, Comorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in charge of the Diaspora and Francophonie.

Press release from the Office of the President